Youths pose for a picture in front of Basra International Stadium in Iraq's southern city of Basra. All photos: AFP
Youths pose for a picture in front of Basra International Stadium in Iraq's southern city of Basra. All photos: AFP
Fifa lifted its three-decade ban on Iraq hosting international football in 2018, with the cities of Arbil, Basra and Karbala given the go-ahead to stage matches.
Fifa lifted its three-decade ban on Iraq hosting international football in 2018, with the cities of Arbil, Basra and Karbala given the go-ahead to stage matches.
Iraq's national and club sides have been forced to use stadiums abroad, as local facilities have fallen into disrepair.
Iraq's national and club sides have been forced to use stadiums abroad, as local facilities have fallen into disrepair.
Basra International Stadium, also known as the Palm Trunk stadium, can seat 65,000 spectators and boasts 20 suites and 230 VIP seats.
Basra International Stadium, also known as the Palm Trunk stadium, can seat 65,000 spectators and boasts 20 suites and 230 VIP seats.
Its facade is inspired by the bark of date palm trees, in reference to Basra, which is known for date palm trees.
Its facade is inspired by the bark of date palm trees, in reference to Basra, which is known for date palm trees.
People walk in front of Basra International Stadium.
People walk in front of Basra International Stadium.

MENA

Iraq

A look around Basra International Stadium - in pictures

The 65,000-capacity venue is the largest sports facility in Iraq

The National

March 10, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

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Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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Updated: March 10, 2022, 9:21 AM
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